Teacher and day care gifts can be tricky propositions. They're not expected, but sure are appreciated. But this can soon become an arms race as parents try to outdo each other to bribe the people who take care of their children. This can embarrass a teacher and cause resentment among parents.

The important thing is to let the people who do everything from changing diapers to teaching spelling to finding something special in every child know that we get it -- their job is important, very hard and the pay should be a lot better. This is no time to add "thankless" to that list. When the economy is tough, a little effort can make up for a lot of cash. For $10 or less, you can still accomplish that goal.

First, let's note the gifts that aren't going to make the Hall of Fame.

Pretty much anything labeled a "teacher gift" by Hallmark would qualify. Teachers are drowning in coffee mugs, magnets and apple-motif jewelry. Add to that dust collectors like World's Best Teacher tchotchkes and you might hear a "Gee, you shouldn't have."

Indeed, you really shouldn't have.

And many a day-care worker has shuddered when they hear that "Katie helped make these herself." The image of grubby little fingers in the batter isn't too appetizing. Try to remember that the teachers saw the catalog for the school fundraiser. So, it's probably a good idea to steer clear of that as well.

Here's what a little elbow grease, shoe leather and $10 gets you:

Group gifts

Organize the parents to pool their money. Just $5 to $10 each makes a nice cash gift or gift card.

Ask the teacher or day-care worker if there's something extra that would make life easier, like a TV, a microwave, riding toys or art supplies that are out of the budget. Share this list with the other parents to see if anyone has an extra in the garage or is interested in pooling resources to get them. And a new company called Goldstar Registry (www.goldstarregistry.com) offers teachers the opportunity to create an online wish list of items they need for their classrooms.

Make work easier

Classical-music CDs for naptime or quiet reading time.

Movies or books with CDs.

New Play-Doh, puzzles, games for the classroom or unusual art supplies like stamping sets.

Recently published children's books the class library may not have. Scholastic often has them for less, and if you buy from the class catalog, the teacher gets a bonus.

Personal gifts for the teacher

A card with a heartfelt letter of appreciation. Include some specific examples of why your child and your family feel lucky, such as "I know Brandon struggled with his temper and was sometimes frustrating, so I really appreciate the patience you showed and have marveled at the skills he's learned from you. We are very lucky to have you as a partner."

Gift cards of all sorts and any denomination are popular -- grocery stores, movies, Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts or other coffee shops, an office- or education-supply store, bookstores, gas -- you name it. They do get used. But make your dollars count: Watch out for stores that are closing or scaling back. Teachers might get stuck with a worthless card.

Soaps and lotions that go together. These folks have to wash their hands a lot. In fact, a basket that includes extra-large bottles of antibacterial soap, lotions and hand wipes would be greatly appreciated, especially since colds and flu seem to pop up all the time.

Christmas ornaments, including homemade ones, such as a personalized orb with the names of the kids in her class and the year.